Plants are Cool
It's been an intense week with work, grown folk responsibilities and general life circumstances. Tellïo muscled through it yet he felt isolated. One thing that was out of his normal routine was volunteering. He made it a priority to wake up early Saturday morning and help the Saint Louis Neighborhood Foresters (STLNF) in their mission to plant, mulch, prune and/or water recently planted trees. It is an excellent way to socialize, give back to the community and get physically active.
Mulching a recently planted tree
Strangely enough, Tellïo has realized some other benefits he's received or contributed to since engaging in STLNF weekly activities. The following are some of the perks of environmental volunteer work:
Trees keep the metropolitan area cool
Native and non-native plants planted together provide diversity
An opportunity to network
Enhance the city's aesthetics
Discover plant science
It is a low-cost and effective activity
A brain-stimulating and light exercise program
Trimming down a broken branch
Finding a community that shares the same values regarding the environment feels like home. Tellïo has learned a lot about plant science, which motivates him since he's an avid learner. For example, the importance of how to properly prune trees to ensure nutrients are properly circulating within a tree. It is important not to overwater a tree. Knowing when to mulch or remove a tree entirely. Recognizing the concept of clearance when trimming trees that obstruct pedestrian routes or street parking. Tellïo discovered, weeds are essentially nutrient leeches, dependent on trees for nutrients. Ultimately, it negatively impacts a tree's ability to blossom. In addition, he has found out which plants are native to the area and which are invasive. Missouri is home to native trees such as red cedar, sugar maple, and eastern wahoo.
Clean Up Time! On May 16th 2025, a tornado devastated St. Louis, MO.
Planting plants and trees helps Tello stay centered; it keeps him grounded. Meeting new people and stepping outside his comfort zone are two advantages of socializing for him. By giving back, his self-esteem gets a burst of happy energy after a project. Tellïo has a positive vibe and sense of purpose since his involvement.
At the end of the day, Tellïo seeks to encourage others to find fulfilling and satisfying hobbies to satisfy their souls. Mental health is real. In spite of the fact that we are unable to see it, it does exist. Mental health is just as imperative as physical health. Get your mind right and keep your circle tight. As Always, Stay Strong & Stay Vivid!
References
Nichol B, Wilson R, Rodrigues A, Haighton C. Exploring the Effects of Volunteering on the Social, Mental, and Physical Health and Well-being of Volunteers: An Umbrella Review. Voluntas. 2023 May 4:1-32. doi: 10.1007/s11266-023-00573-z. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37360509; PMCID: PMC10159229.
Nuccitelli, Dana. “The Little-Known Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Urban Trees " Yale Climate Connections.” Yale Climate Connections, 10 Mar. 2023, yaleclimateconnections.org/2023/02/the-little-known-physical-and-mental-health-benefits-of-urban-trees/.
“Native Trees for Missouri Landscapes.” Visit Missouri Botanical Gardens, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/visual-guides/native-trees-for-missouri. Accessed 17 May 2025.
Wolf KL, Lam ST, McKeen JK, Richardson GRA, van den Bosch M, Bardekjian AC. Urban Trees and Human Health: A Scoping Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jun 18;17(12):4371. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17124371. PMID: 32570770; PMCID: PMC7345658.
